Updates and recommendations on the surgical management of NEC

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a severe gastrointestinal disease of the infant. It most commonly targets those that are born prematurely. NEC has been associated with initiation of feeds and in most cases, it can be managed with antibiotics and bowel rest. However, in up to half of the cases, intestinal perforation, peritonitis, and failure of medical treatment will require surgical intervention. The following review will discuss the surgical approach to managing NEC, based on an updated review of practice patterns and recently published literature.

Keywords: Clip and drop; Enteric diversion; Laparotomy; NEC; NEC totalis; Peritoneal drain; Surgical management.